Dr. Gonsalves and ULP’s way forward

Tue, Aug 17, 2010

Editor: Elections are coming. We are hearing from the ULP and Prime Minister Gonsalves that things (the way business is being conducted) will be different from now on until he decides on an election date. Persons are calling for elections. They (voters) are saying it is time for a change.{{more}} Why change, you may ask? Are things (growth of the economy and standard of living) so bad that poor people benefit from the ULP government? They are also saying that there is lack of proper representation from those elected to office. Today’s politicians have become too complacent. ULP has lost touch with the people. If you were to turn these comments that I hear everyday into questions, I can only ask myself if this is for real.

For the last nine years, the ULP government has been in office, and Dr. Gonsalves was and still is the right person for the job. I can see that he tried his best considering all the problems this country faced over the last nine years. 911 happened in the USA but affected the entire world (SVG included); SARS; this country’s economic fallout; fewer remittances to allieviate poverty; increase of HIV and AIDS; teenage pregnancy; crime; drugs; and criminal activity which can create negative impact on our country. All these and more fell on the shoulders of the Prime Minister and his government. How did he (The PM) deal with these? He tried, but, was his best good enough?

From individual stand points, we should be patriotic enough to make sacrifices for our country (SVG) and stop waiting on politicians who promise so much but never deliver. The ULP government, after nine years in office, is asking for a third term, with the slogan that they will make a difference.

What kind of difference? Some are asking who the question should be directed to. Should they be directed to the Prime Minister who normally takes the spot light all for himself? Isn’t it time for him to give ministers a chance to share in some achievements here? Many are saying that is where the Prime Minister is going wrong. Sometimes is it clear that Minister Baptiste is treated with contempt and allows the Prime Minister to push her around. Why is Baptiste allowing this kind of behaviour?

Minister Baptiste, Vincentians are dissatisfied with your representation. Why? Politically, land space still remains the same. Why then are there persons in your constituency saying to me that you are a good Minister, but a bad representative in terms of what you did not do? Let’s use our common sense and try to understand what was done by the ULP government.

•  Low-income houses – Hon. Julian Francis took the credit and said that was his idea.

• Education Revolution – most Vincentians think that was the PM’s idea.

• 100% Mortgage financing at NCB for public servants – 100% was a bad idea. Who should we blame? PM?

• Argyle International Airport – that’s 100% PM’s

• Telecommunication – started by NDP, Ask Glenford Stewart

• Dr. Thompson just happened to be the Minister and already he’s taking credit for the Windward Highway.

• What the NDP conceived as theirs by taking care of old people; that’s 100% ULP.

• Genuinely caring for the people, ULP is 100% better by far.

• Nurses from 25 persons to 100 persons that’s 100% ULP.

However, ULP does not like to be criticized. At the recently concluded ULP Convention held at Campden Park, former St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony spoke passionately about doing his best for St. Lucians; yet, he felt the wrath of the people. I hope Dr. Gonsalves paid attention to what was said by his friend. Remember your other friend in Trinidad and Tobago was quoted as saying “ULP out, NDP in”. From your CARICOM friends, please take notice Mr. Prime Minister, of what is happening around you.

• National Commercial Bank issue with Mr. Morgan.

• The $1 million dollar deposit still in question.

• The GDP at a stand still.

• Unpleasant rising crime and armed robbery.

The call is that St. Vincent needs another Prime Minister. Can you rise to that challenge and expectation? If you can’t then we have no other choice than to change you or fire you.

Kingsley Defreitas